John Hartl's favorable review of the film starring Campbell Scott makes note of its combination of humor and extreme sadness.

Ebert's 1990 review of the film grants it three-and-a-half stars, and singles out Bruce Davison's emotionally wrenching performance.

Hal Hinson praises the 1990 drama about the early days of AIDS, citing its ability to cut away the rhetoric and deal with the emotions involved.